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2010 volume 17
Rotary and Paducah Bank Partner for free College Tu i t i o n INVEST with an AWARD WINNING TEAM!
aducah Financial Consultants offers access to financial
products through LPL Financial and its affiliates. The Pcompany provides a productivity report for each quarter based on investment results. • In the first quarter of Wendy Kester 2010, the staff of Paducah Financial Consultants
finished 5th in its peer group of over 600 banks in the United
States! George Shaw was named as a leader in equity production,
ranking 5th among his fellow professionals, as George Shaw reported in LPL Financial Focus magazine. •
Paducah Bank and Paducah Financial Consultants would like
to thank you for your confidence in our ability, your trust in our
competency, and your belief in our integrity. We Keith Jennings only reach these proud moments in our industry
because of your willingness to turn to us for financial advice
and consultation. We honor that relationship, and we pledge
to be worthy of your faith in us. Shirley Jennings PADUCAH FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS Located at Paducah Bank • 555 Jefferson Street • 575.6636
Securities and insurance products offered through LPL Financial and its affiliates member FINRA/SIPC Not FDIC Insured No Bank Guarantee May Lose Value Not a Deposit Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency Paducah Bank is not a registered broker/dealer and is not affiliated with LPL Financial VOLUME 17 • 2010 peeksneak INSIDE 30 36 10
41 38 26 18 12
Be the first one to spot this logo anywhere between pages 2 and 48 and win $100. E-mail Susan Guess at [email protected] with the page and 32 location.
44 6
WOW! The Official Publication for The Paducah Bank and Trust Company Photography by Glenn Hall 555 Jefferson Street • PO Box 2600 • Paducah, KY 42002-2600 • 270.575.5700 • www.paducahbank.com On the cover Emma Grace Hancock If you have questions about a product or service or would like to obtain a copy of Paducah 1st grader at Symsonia Elementary and Bank’s WOW!, contact Susan Guess at 270.575.5723 or [email protected]. MEMBER FDIC daughter of Kyle and Jimmilyn Hancock What have you done today to FEELproud? We’ve been asking that question of ourselves this year, and we thought we’d give you a chance to ask it as well.
Send us your PROUD moment in 250 words or less, and program, or a project that will make a difference in the
we will review your submissions and award a contribution life of someone else?
of $500 to the charity/project of your choice if If so, we’d like to hear from you. Send your Proud
you are the selected PROUD recipient. moment to Susan Guess at [email protected] or Our- new Paducah Bank bus will be rolling around mail it to Paducah Bank, PO Box 2600, Paducah, KY town reminding us to think about the moments each day 42002-2600.
that make us proud. Have you The deadline for submissions is December 1.
given of yourself to Proud to be your bank! a cause, a Proud to be Paducah Bank! Dear friends :
joeframptom CEO wally
batemanPresident
omeone told us that Shakespeare wrote, “We know what we are, but know not what we MAY be.” Over the years, we have watched as our bank has been redefined time and time again. And that statement by the 16th century bard becomes most appropriate in our 21st century world. Each day we meet new challenges . . . we encounter new developments in our industry and in our community . . . we process input from our customers . . . we look for new ideas to make our provision of financial Sservices more efficient and valuable. And we think it’s safe to say that we have a good idea of who we are and even who we want to be. But who we MAY become is always the unexpected factor that we can’t anticipate. And that is truly the exciting part of working at Paducah Bank. For example, we are PROUD to be a partner with the Paducah Rotary Club, helping to provide free college tuition to WKCTC for local students. This is a perfect illustration of how we are ever-aware of what’s going on around us so that we can become a productive part of efforts such as this. How gratifying for us to be a part of something that MAY change the course of a young person’s life. It’s a pleasure to profile our city’s fine public golf course in this issue of WOW! Who knows what outstanding young golfers MAY develop by having a quality facility available to them. We also recently contributed a number of books to the local Head Start program. What impact MAY the love of reading have on a future generation? We know not what lies ahead. And therein lies the greatest expectation. Shakespeare MAY not have said that. So we thought we would!
WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 • 3 Paducah Bank Ranked in
Independent Community Bank Association Releases Annual topRankings for Top Performing American Banks20
Joe Framptom, CEO of $503 million-asset Paducah Bank, believes that having a great team of people contributes significantly to efficiency. “All of our employees have a stake in the bank. They make decisions on a daily basis that have a positive long-term impact,” Framptom says. “Our efficiency is a combination of many people consistently doing many small things well over a period of time.” Paducah Bank has five locations and 139 employees. “We concentrate on taking care of people,” Framptom adds. “And that translates into financial results.”
ut more importantly, says Joe, “It translates into great customer service.” “Our efficiency The ICBA ranks top performing banks around the country in a number of categories each year. Paducah Bank ranked in the top 20 is a combination Bamong its peers in two standard banking industry efficiency measures. Among of many people Subchapter S banks in the $250-$500 million asset group, Paducah Bank ranked consistently doing 13th in Return on Assets and 9th in Return on Equity. Paducah Bank was the only Kentucky bank in its asset size in the rankings! many small “We are very happy to have earned this distinguished national recognition, things well over especially during 2009, which was a very challenging year for community banks,” Joe added. “We take tremendous pride in this achievement which we see as a result a period of time.” of all of us working together every day, in every way, in order to assure that our customers receive the highest level of customer service we can provide.” —Joe Framptom, Joe was also quoted in the Independent Banker magazine article crediting the bank’s Paducah Bank empowerment of its staff to be proactive in their daily responsibilities. “We want people to think and make decisions,” he commented. “Efficiency takes daily acts of awareness and evaluation. You never know when an opportunity for savings will present itself,” Framptom says. “Many of these decisions are made at the department level where employees regularly analyze costs and expenses. Our customers need to know that every person at Paducah Bank is conscientious about how we operate on behalf of our customers’ trust.” •
4 • WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 atm/banking locations
As part of year-end performance rankings of ICBA members, ICBA Independent Banker pulls call-report data from the FDIC each year to identify the top community banks as measured by return on average assets (ROA) and return on average equity (ROE). banking hours The ICBA 400 list highlights the top 20 community bank performers www.paducahbank.com ...... 24 Hours in 20 asset and tax-status categories. WowLine! (24 Hours) ...... 575.6677 To allow for the most equitable peer- to-peer comparisons, top-performing LOBBY ICBA members are grouped by their Monday-Thursday ...... 8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m. Subchapter S corporation or Subchapter Friday ...... 8:45 a.m. - 6 p.m. C corporation tax-filing status. Those groupings are further separated into DRIVE-THRU five asset categories: banks with assets Monday-Thursday ...... 7:45 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. of $50 million or less; $50 million to Friday ...... 7:45 a.m. - 6 p.m. $100 million; $100 million to $250 Saturday (Lone Oak & Strawberry Hill) ...... 8 a.m. - Noon million; $250 million to $500 million; and more than $500 million. banking center locations MAIN OFFICE • 555 Jefferson Street ...... 575.5700 MID-CITY • 2401 Broadway ...... 575.5763 REIDLAND • 5542 Reidland Road ...... 575.5761 LONE OAK • 2635 Lone Oak Road ...... 575.5775 STRAWBERRY HILL • 4575 Pecan Drive ...... 575.5725 SOUTHSIDE COMING IN 2011! atm locations MAIN OFFICE ...... 555 Jefferson Street MID-CITY ...... 2401 Broadway REIDLAND ...... 5542 Reidland Road LONE OAK ...... 2635 Lone Oak Road LONE OAK (Super Valu parking lot) ...... 2855 Lone Oak Road STRAWBERRY HILL ...... 4575 Pecan Drive WEST PARK ...... 2781 West Park Drive JACKSON STREET (Super Valu parking lot) ...... 2965 Jackson Street MCCRACKEN COUNY COURTHOUSE ...... 300 South 7th Street LOURDES MEDICAL PAVILION ...... Lourdes Medical Pavilion SOUTHSIDE (next to ExpressWay) ...... 3327 Irvin Cobb Drive
WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 • 5 banknews
WOW! More Wins for Paducah Bank and Paducah Financial Consultants
aducah Financial Consultants offers financial products through LPL Financial and Pits affiliates. The company provides a productivity report for each quarter based on investment results.
In the first quarter of 2010, the staff of Paducah Keith Jennings Shirley Jennings George Shaw Wendy Kester Financial Consultants finished 5th in its peer group of over 600 banks in the United States! George Shaw was named as a leader in equity production, ranking 5th among his fellow professionals. Paducah Bank and Paducah Financial Consultants would like to thank you for your confidence in our ability, your trust in our competency, and your belief in our integrity. We only reach these proud moments in our industry because of your willingness to turn to us for financial advice and consultation. We honor that relationship, and we pledge to be worthy of your faith in us.
More time for your money!
n June, Paducah Bank made a transition to “real time” processing of transactions at all of our branches. This means there is no longer a cutoff time Ifor customer transactions at any Paducah Bank branch. Now, if you make a deposit, make a payment, or present a check, your transaction will be processed on the day it is received from the opening hour of the drive-thru until the close of the drive-thru. No transaction will be held until the next business day. In the past there had been a prescribed time after which daily transactions were not processed until the next business day. That is no longer the case. If you make a transaction today, it will be processed today. This real-time service will provide you with a more accurate real-time balance in your account. At Paducah Bank, you get MORE time for your money!
6 • WOW! VOLUME 17/2010
als ? w a dr ith w TM protectio A nce n fo d av e y ou r d n H ou “ b e a op e bi s t u t e ed in c s t a a in n rd h ” o c t c r o u
p
t times, unanticipated expenses or unforeseen There is No Cost for problems can leave you with too little cash in Bounce Protection Unless it is Used Ayour checking account. Having a check returned or a debit card If you use Bounce Protection, our standard overdraft practice transaction declined due to insufficient funds can be a costly, will apply, and a paid item fee of $24.95 will be charged each inconvenient and potentially embarrassing experience. time we pay an overdraft. The maximum number of overdrafts Paducah Bank encourages you to manage your finances you will be charged in a day is five or $124.75. responsibly. However, we understand that an inadvertent over- draft may occur. That is why we provide Bounce Protection, a How Bounce Protection May special overdraft service for Paducah Bank customers. Benefit You In the Future Bounce Protection is a convenient service that may allow an In the event a deposit to your checking account has not been everyday debit card purchase, ATM withdrawal, check, or elec- credited or you have made a mistake in balancing your account, tronic debit to be approved in an emergency, even if you do not Bounce Protection may provide a safety net by allowing transac- have sufficient funds available in your account. tions to be approved, at our discretion, up to the limit that is However, because of a recent regulatory change that went assigned to your account. If you have not “opted in,” your into effect on August 15, 2010, Paducah Bank is no longer able everyday debit card purchases or ATM withdrawals will be to provide automatic Bounce Protection for your everyday debit declined if there are not sufficient funds in your account. card purchases and ATM withdrawals. You must specifically ask for this service on your accounts by “opting in.” The Choice is Yours If you did not “opt in” by August 15 and the service has been We are aware that some customers never have an overdraft. discontinued, your everyday debit card purchases and ATM Many have “opted in” just to have the safety net available in the withdrawals can no longer be covered by Bounce Protection. event they make a mistake or have an unforeseen problem. That means if you do not have enough money in your account, They understand there is no charge unless the service is used. It or if the funds are not yet available, your transaction will be is truly a case of your individual needs. For more information, declined. call 270.575.5700, or come by the branch nearest you. The good news is that if you would like to have this service for your everyday debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals, it is easy to do so simply by “opting in.” You can find an “Opt- In” form on our website at www.paducahbank.com, or you can simply call or come by the branch nearest you.
WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 • 7 truestory
Buddy, do you haveadime? (‘Cause if you don’t, you can earn one when you use your Paducah Bank debit card!)
herida Williams, an optician at Eyecare Associates in Paducah, is every banker’s dream girl. So here’s how the story goes. SMan walks in for an eye appointment. Gets his eyes checked. Returns to the check-out desk and passes his Paducah Bank debit card across to Sherida. She takes the card and politely asks the man, “Did you know if you use this like a credit card you get ten cents back every time you use it?” The man happened to be Glenn Denton, member of the Board of Directors of Paducah Bank. He was very impressed. And Sherida was very impressed when, shortly thereafter, she was presented with a $100 gift card from the nice people at Paducah Bank, who wanted to thank her for being such a terrific ambassador for their products. “I always do that,” Sherida says. “When someone presents a Paducah Bank debit card,* I always ask if they’re taking advantage of the Dime-a-Time rewards program. I don’t know about other people, but I burn mine up; so it pays to sign up for the program!” Sherida is a dipped-and-dimed convert! She and her family moved here from Virginia several years ago. She chose Paducah Bank because “the town’s name was a part of the bank’s name and we thought it was probably a hometown bank.” She comments that she found out she was right.
“The bank is phenomenal! Anytime I’ve had a question or a problem to work through, they absolutely stop what they’re doing and take all the time necessary to help me work through whatever it is that I need. We have been very happy with everyone at the bank.”
Obviously! And Sherida was also very happy to get a most appreciated $100 just in time for back to school supplies. It pays to bank with us! •
*Paducah Bank’s debit card reward program is available upon request to all personal and business checking account customers. Earn even more with our Gen Gold checking account! Personal checking customers with our Gen Gold account earn $.15 for each signature based transaction.Call or stop in for more details.
8 • WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 sherida williams Habitat for Humanity is a “I was initially drawn to the work with Habitat because of the relationships it builds with partnering families,” D’Che comments. Experience for D’Che Harper-Beyer “Habitat is not a hand-out, it is a hand up. I like the idea that those who movingabitat for Humanity International was are being helped are helping themselves.” founded in 1976. Today the organization is a world Generally the homes are built at no profit, leader in addressing the issues of poverty housing. and the loans are interest free. Building costs are financed by HThe concept that grew into Habitat for Humanity was born financial partners, fundraising, donations, and new owner’s at Koinonia Farm, a small interracial, Christian community house payments. What the poor need is not charity, but capital; outside of Americus, Georgia. Founders Millard and Linda not caseworkers, but co-workers, says the Habitat for Humanity Fuller visited the farm in 1965 seeking a life of Christian service. website. D’Che agrees. At Koinonia, the couple developed the concept of “partnership “I’m proud of our fundraising efforts and improvements to housing.” The concept centered on those in need of adequate the process of working with local families,” says D’Che. “I had shelter working side by side with volunteers to build simple, the opportunity this year to meet with several of the home decent houses. owners, which I truly enjoyed. It was nice to get to know them In 1984, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife and understand better how Habitat is contributing to their Rosalynn took their first Habitat work trip to New York City. personal lives.” The personal involvement in Habitat’s ministry brought the Paducah Bank has also been involved in support of the organization national visibility and sparked interest in Habitat’s local Habitat organization. “The bank has helped in every work across the nation. The group experienced a dramatic way imaginable,” D’Che adds. Paducah Bank has multiple increase in the number of affiliates around the country. individuals that have served or are currently serving on the Through the work of Habitat, thousands of low-income board or various Habitat committees. Paducah Bank has also families have found new hope in the form of affordable housing. provided monetary and in-kind donations, and the bank is a Churches, community groups, and others have joined together grant partner with the Federal Home Loan Bank. to successfully tackle a significant social problem—decent “All of this can only be accomplished with the strong support housing for all people. Today, Habitat for Humanity has built of volunteers and institutions like Paducah Bank,” D’Che says. more than 300,000 houses, sheltering more than 1.5 million “And we’re always looking for new ideas and new energy on people in more than 3,000 communities worldwide. That our board, so I’d like to encourage anyone who has a heart for includes the more than 60 houses built in Paducah, KY. D’Che helping people to get in touch with our local Habitat for Harper-Beyer is one of the people who has helped to make that Humanity. Watching people move into a home they never happen in this community. thought was possible can be an emotional experience. Seeing “I joined the group about 1998 I think,” says D’Che. “I was the smiles on their faces and the pride in their possession of a volunteering and helping with the local Habitat’s annual golf new home is hard to put into words.” outing. I’ve helped coordinate the event on and off for the last • ten years.” D’Che became an official board member in 2007, then served You can reach Habitat for as Board President for the next two years. In 2010, she was asked Humanity at 270.444.2060. to serve as the Fundraising Chairperson.
10 • WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 “Seeing the smiles on their faces and the pride in their possession of a new home is hard to put into words. ” —D’Che Harper-Beyer Soccer Program for Youth with Disabilities is a GO!
“The goSoccer program means Katie can have a typical sports experience, just like her sister and brother,” says Kelly Watkins, whose daughter Katie has played since the program for youth with mental and physical challenges began in the fall of 2008. According to coordinator Amy Peal, a typical sports experience is just what Rehab Associates hoped for when they established Paducah’s goSoccer as part of the national TOPSoccer program. The purpose of the program is to enrich the lives of young athletes with disabilities through the game of soccer. Spring and fall playing seasons are held each year, with between 15 and 20 athletes participating each season thus far. “ We typically meet for 45 minutes to an hour each session, and we play 8 to 10 sessions each season,” explains Amy. “ Players are given a soccer shirt, and just like recreational soccer, we have pictures taken and celebrate with an end-of-season party with food and trophies.” An important part of goSoccer is the “ buddy program.” A volunteer is paired with each player to guide and protect them during play. “Many youth in our community have participated as buddies,” says Amy. “Their support and participation is critical to this program being a success, and at the same time it provides them an opportunity to fulfill community service hours.”
amypeal (right) coordinates the goSoccer program for nearly 20 young athletes, including Katie Watkins (left). 13
Kelly agrees the buddy program is valuable. “The buddies are great, and I know they learn as much from the experience as they teach,” she explains. “ I have always felt an obligation to not only teach my daughter how to live in the world, but teach the world how to live with my daughter and others like her. ” Participation in goSoccer is not limited by geographic area. Players from McCracken, Ballard, Graves, Hopkins, and Caldwell Counties in KY, and Massac County, IL, have participated. Games are held at the Paducah Regional Sports Plex on Highway 60 west of Kentucky Oaks Mall. “Players have an optimal environment on the indoor soccer field at the Sports Plex,”“ says Amy, and parents are able to watch the drills and plays through the glass wall. ” Soon beginning its fifth season, the idea for goSoccer started when a community member approached Rehab Associates and goPerformance owner Mark Vance about establishing a soccer team for kids with disabilities. Mark agreed such a program was needed, and the Rehab Associates Foundation secured a United Way Emerging Needs grant for initial funding. The Foundation partnered with the McCracken County Youth Soccer Association and a committee of professionals with backgrounds in physical and occupational therapy, social services, and behavioral therapy to establish the program. Kelly says goSoccer is an overwhelming success. “ Children with disabilities want and need to be treated the same as all others. Sports is a wonderful teaching tool. Discipline, rules, and teamwork are the skills needed in the everyday world, not just on a field. “When I see the look on my daughter’s face as she achieves a goal or receives a participation trophy, then pumps her fist in the air and shouts, ‘I did it!’ I think to myself, yes Katie, you did it. Thank you, goSoccer. ”
More information about goSoccer is available at 270.744.0631 or www.rehabassociatesky.com/foundation. Click on Programs. Paducah Bank Partners with Rotary Club in Community Scholarhips College can be a financial burden. Paducah Bank can help!
aducah Bank is proud to be among the first business partners committing funds to the new Community Scholarship Program. The program was developed by the Paducah Rotary Club with funding assistance from the City of Paducah, McCracken PCounty, and area businesses. A scholarship to West Kentucky Community and Technical College will be funded for all students of Paducah and McCracken County Schools who meet set criteria. Designed to provide “gap funding,” meaning it will make up the difference between the amount a student receives in other scholarships and grants and the remaining tuition costs at WKCTC, the program is modeled after community scholarships which have been successful in other towns. Hopkinsville has had such a program in place since the 1950s, and there are approximately 33 similar community scholarship programs in place nationwide. Students must normally enroll in the Community Scholarship Program during their 8th grade year of school, although 9th graders will also be eligible to enroll in the coming year since the program is brand new. Currently, 120 rising 9th graders have already enrolled. “The Rotary Club saw an opportunity to lead an effort to fundamentally change our community,” said Edward Hely, Rotary’s Scholarship Programs Chair. “We see it as a way to improve quality of life.” He says the scholarship program will impact all residents, not just those who receive funding, citing education as a key to lower crime, improved health, and a tool to attract industry. Lisa Stephenson, WKCTC’s Director of K-12 partnerships, is working with local middle and high schools to communicate information about the program. Students who wish to enroll must attend an initial orientation session with a parent. A grade point average of 2.5 must be maintained throughout high school, along with a 95 percent cumulative attendance record and a lack of major discipline problems. “This scholarship program would eliminate the number one barrier to students going to college or staying in college,” said WKCTC President, Dr. Barbara Veazey. More information about the Community Scholarship Program is available from Lisa Stephenson at 534.3282 or [email protected]. •
14 • WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 michael-ellenwalden is a 6th grader at Paducah Middle School. noahwilkins is a 9th grader at Reidland High School. Both are eligible to register for the Community Scholarship Program, an effort spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Paducah to provide two years of tuition funding to all Paducah and McCracken County school students. 16 SUMMER TYME is PARTY TYME Concert goers once again FILLED the Carson Center this summer for Paducah Bank’s sold-out, free community concert. And that classic rock ’n roll sound of the Sixties by the Tyn Tymes filled the venue with tunes like Hey Baby!, Mustang Sally, and I Love Beach Music. • Facebook fans gave the evening rave reviews the next morning as they sent their cumula- tive thanks for a wonderful musical gift to Paducah Bank customers and friends. • Paducah Bank would like to thank everyone for coming and joining us in a great tyme!
Paducah Life Magazine celebrates 020 years of publication
well. In those inaugural issues were ads for Whaler’s Catch, The Holman House, the Market House Theatre, Leaving a LIFE Choates Gifts, Super Valu Foods, Michelson’s, Owen Cleaners, and Paducah Bank. “I’m amazed that these loyal local businesses have literally been with the magazine since its Long Legacy inception,” Darlene adds. “As we often wittily say around here, ‘There would be no LIFE in Paducah without the long-standing “The magazine actually wasn’t my idea,” says Darlene Mazzone, support of these and MANY other businesses and professionals President of Mazzone Communications and publisher of PADUCAH in and around our wonderful community.’” LIFE Magazine and The Wedding Book. And speaking of Paducah Bank, Darlene is quick to credit Carla “I was probably as skeptical as anyone else in the winter of Berry and Paducah Bank for making her ownership possible. “Carla 1990 when my partner and marketing mentor, Ray Lane, tossed out has been working alongside Paducah Life Magazine since I assumed the idea,” she adds. “I remember it like it was yesterday. We were control of the publication in 1994. There has never been a time in driving back from a client meeting and Ray turned to me and said, the history of this magazine that Paducah Bank has not been a ‘Why don’t we start a feature magazine?’” The rest, as they say, is partner in its success. I’m one of many, many small and large history. businesses in this area who know and value the great benefit of “It was a time when the local media was being forced to become working with a local bank and local people.” more regional to stay viable; which meant that Darlene refers to the first three years of publishing the there was less focus on the magazine as “treating it like an orphan child.” community and The firm’s client work, naturally, more attention to the was the first priority, so tri-state area,” Darlene the magazine was not at explains. “Everywhere Ray the top of the list. But as and I went and everyone we met the magazine grew from two with often mentioned how much the first year to three the next they missed having a local publication and a quarterly periodical by the The Magazine devoted solely to Paducah/McCracken County. So we decided mid-90s, it soon became appar- has blossomed into a to give it a shot.” publication worthy of comparison ent that local readers were asking It was a perfect blend of words and pictures. Ray Lane moved to any big-city specimen for more. Getting more out of LIFE back to Paducah in the early ‘80s to start an advertising agency. became the mission for the editor Lourdes Hospital was one of his first clients. Darlene Mazzone was and her growing staff. During the past two decades, the 48-page the Director of Public Affairs who had hired him. Soon the writer and one-color magazine printed on inexpensive offset paper has now designer formed a marketing firm, which would go on to work with blossomed into a 112-page glossy, full-color feature magazine worthy many local companies and a couple of national concerns as well. of comparison to any big-city specimen. Their work for Story’s Gourmet Popcorn actually earned the duo a “I knew we had something of value when I was rummaging Best Package Design award at the International Fancy Food around at the Market House Museum with Mr. Manchester, maybe Convention in New York City in the late ‘80s. ten years ago, looking for some historic photos,” Darlene remem- “Our first edition at the holidays in 1990 was {at the time} a bers. “He pulled open a file drawer and there, in chronological order, big oversized 9x12 edition which featured Billy and Reva Harper’s was a complete set of Paducah Life Magazines from the first one in daughters, Holly and Melissa. The story was about Christmas family 1990. I was astounded.” traditions,” Darlene recalls. “Dona Rains was a contributing writer After Darlene expressed her surprise, Mr. Manchester comment- as was Berry Craig, and we had some beautiful holiday fashion ed, “But of course we would keep each one. This is a wonderful photography by Glenn Hall. It’s so nice that many of the original representation of what life was like here for future generations to people who helped us get the magazine off the ground are still read and understand.” associated with us in some way.” Not only is this quality magazine providing a beautiful glimpse of Some of the original advertisers are still with the magazine as LIFE in and around Paducah, it’s also leaving a legacy. •
18 • WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 darlenemazzone “We are simply stewards of the facility,” says Danny Mullen “We just want to leave it better than we found it,and leave it for other people like it was left for us.”
Daniel Mullen, Paxton Park Golf Course Director and Rick Loyd, Golf Commission member
20 LOCATION, TRADITION, HIST RY Paxton Park is a place where community golfers find a sense of community.
he word community implies more than a cluster of homes or a defined geographical area; it conjures connotations of camaraderie, Tcontinuity, and connections, and it aptly describes Paducah’s community golf course: the Edwin J. Paxton Park Golf Course off Berger Road. • From nine to ninety, golfers of all ages enjoy the superb public course with recently upgraded greens, GPS-equipped carts, and reasonable fees. Spawning golfers such as Russ Cochran and Kenny Perry, Paxton Park is steeped in history. • “It’s more than a golf course,” says golf pro and director, Danny Mullen. “Seniors fellowship and exercise here; kids grow up out here; families play together. We have great support from the community because of what this facility has meant to people.” Danny stepped up to the position of Paxton Park director related costs for selected youth to be able to play at Paxton when his father, Kayo, retired in 1998. He had served as his Park for free. In return, scholarship recipients provide father’s assistant for ten years, and had helped out in nearly community service hours at the golf course or at other every aspect years earlier. Danny’s tenure as director has been community locations. marked by an effort to upgrade the golf course. Additional area businesses also provide financial support to Beginning in 2003, Champion Ultradwarf Bermuda grass Paxton Park, and the Paxton Foundation has provided integral replaced the old greens, providing a year-round quality putting funding for long-term infrastructure needs. The city of surface. The new grass eliminates any need for temporary Paducah has helped fund specific projects as well, but the golf greens. Conducive to Paducah’s climate, it functions well for course does not receive regular funding in the city’s budget. winter golfing and also stands up well to the intense heat of “We’re city owned and community supported,” says Danny. summer. He counts location, tradition, history, and community support “We had a few years of transition, but now we have the as key elements to Paxton Park’s success. “Public golf is much best greens around,” explains Rick Loyd, one of seven city- more competitive than it used to be,” he adds. “There are appointed golf commissioners overseeing course operations. more regional golf courses. We have to maintain a competitive “The course is beautiful,” says 90-year-old frequent golfer, product to not just survive, but prosper.” J.T. Graves. “I’ve played golf east, west, north, and south—all A focus on service helps provide the type of community over the nation—and I’ve never played on greens as beautiful atmosphere that is apparent at Paxton Park. “One of the rea- as these.” sons I’m so proud to be involved is because of the service,” says Young golfer Owen Workman appreciates Paxton Park as Rick. “Danny and the staff do a great job of taking care of the well as other golfers he meets there. Golfing since he was four, little things.” Rick compares this attention to detail to that Owen is now 11 and has been golfing competitively for two offered by Paducah Bank. “Not many businesses are really good years. “I really like the course,” he says. “And people will help at individual service; that’s something Joe Framptom and the you out. They give me good advice and tell me what not to staff at Paducah Bank have perfected, and I feel like Paxton do,” he says of more experienced golfers. Park does a great job at providing excellent service as well,” he Mark Knecht, an accomplished golfer who began playing remarks. at Paxton Park in his teenage years, is excited about recent “We are simply stewards of the facility,” says Danny. We improvements. “The new greens are a tremendous addition, a just want to leave it better than we found it, and leave it for quality at least twice as good as they used to be.” Mark also other people like it was left for us.” considers GPS on the cart fleet a “huge benefit” and has high With a budget far less than that of comparable golf courses, praise for Danny, his staff, and contributors. Paxton Park was included in the 2008-2009 edition of Golf “The atmosphere is tremendous,” says Mark, “and that’s Digest’s Best Places to Play, a source of pride for the staff and a reflection on Danny. He works so hard at making it a board. comfortable place to be. Kenny Perry and Russ Cochran have Plans call for the addition of two lakes this fall, and more as been instrumental in helping raise money for the golf course.” funding allows. Hiring more people is also high on the wish The Super Valu Golf Scramble to benefit Paxton Park and list. (“Danny does the jobs of two or three people,” says Rick.) Junior Golf, featuring Cochran and Perry, is an annual event Still meeting the resolve of Edwin J. Paxton and other which raises funds for area high school golf programs, in organizers who set out in the 1930s to bring the sport of golf addition to dollars used directly for the golf course. Twenty- to the masses, Paxton Park, as a public, community course, five percent of the proceeds is given to the golf programs of is available to all. “The best golfers can play here and be the three McCracken County high schools, Paducah Tilghman, challenged, and those starting out can come and be comfort- St. Mary, and Community Christian Academy. A portion of able,” says Danny. “We cater to all walks of life. We want the funds also provides scholarships to cover green fees and everyone to feel welcome here.” FROM PADUCAHscenes B ANK’ S M AIDEN A LLEY M OVIE N IGHT
Guests from all around the community enjoyed a fun evening at Maiden Alley this spring at Paducah Bank’s Sex and the City pre-premiere! Guests were invited to enjoy a movie-inspired libation before re-living the earlier antics of those New York City single girls. The event was held prior to the Sex and the City 2 opening. Fashion, food, and fun were en vogue for this special free event dedicated to laughter and light-heartedness. (We even had a red carpet backdrop!)
WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 • 23 You scre am ! I scream! We all scream for ice cream!
Is there any more quintessential dessert in America than that of ice cream? We don’t think so. And it’s proven time and time again when Paducah Bank pulls up to schools, events, and special projects in and around our hometown in our very cool WOW Wagon with our very cool sweet treats. • With hands outstretched and voices at fever-pitch, everyone from pre-schoolers to post graduates can’t help but be excited about the delivery of a yummy ice cream treat, on a stick or in a cone, topped with nuts or glazed with chocolate. • If you would like to invite our WOW Wagon to an event you’re planning, just scream for some ice cream. We’ll NEVER give you the cold shoulder! • J)o>I' 11b-Joeoh /1..k Ths.n/c ya" I'./,, d-0,,,H"} L ee
•
rhc LEffERS w ... 1 1, v WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 • 25 26 paulparker (seated) stuck with the ‘50’s theme when he rebuilt Parker’s Drive-In after fire destroyed the original structure in 2009. Great balls of fire couldnt’ keep Parker’ s Diner down for long, but they did manage to T h e m o r e t h i n g s c h a n g e t h e m o r e th ey st ay t h e sa m e a t give the summertime blues to regular customers last year before the Lone Oak eatery reopened in August. January 15, 2009, fire destroyed the nostalgic, rock-n-roll themed restaurant, famous for its juke box filled with ‘50s and ‘60s hits, big burgers, bigger ice cream cones, pinball machine, and car hops. Owner Paul Parker is not one to sit still for long—a reason he gives when asked why the ice cream and burgers don’t Ashow up on his trim frame. Paul purchased the business from his father in 2005, got right to work on clearing out, cleaning up, and creating a new restaurant after the fire that destroyed the restaurant his father opened in 1982. A brand new Parker’s Drive-In was open by late August for customers to shake, rattle, and roll their way back to the favored site. Surprisingly, some of the interior wall decor survived the fire, and Paul replaced other pieces and added new ones. Pictures of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, James Dean, Buddy Holly, and additional legendary figures from decades gone by adorn the restaurant. There are no video games to capture the attention of young (or older) diners; instead, an old-fashioned pinball machine sits in the back, offering a choice of play for one quarter or one dollar. Motorcycle clubs, a corvette club, and other groups periodically travel en masse to Parker’s, and specific theme nights are held from time to time. One such event will take place September 18, when the restaurant will host ‘50s Night, complete with a live band and customer giveaways. “I like Parker’s because it’s a good group hang-out-kind-of place,” says 13-year-old customer Sam Smith. “It’s unique and has a fun atmosphere.” Sam counts Parker’s cheeseburger as his favorite menu item, but says he “switches up between the burger and chicken tenders.” His favorite ice cream is the chocolate dipped cone, “with extra chocolate,” he adds. Diners have a choice of eating inside, in the car after ordering via the car window speaker, or at picnic tables in the front patio area, including miniature-sized tables just right for little tykes. From the very young to the very not-so-young, many of Parker’s customers are regulars. “I would say 60 to 70 percent of our customers eat here three or four times a week,” says Paul, who was touched by customers’ offers to help during the rebuilding. “Regular customers would stop in and say ‘I know how to drywall, I can help with that’ or ‘I’ll help you paint.’ We had people stop in all the time and offer to help. We saw unbelievable support.” Just 12 years old when his father and brother originally purchased the restaurant, Paul says seeing old friends is one of the things he likes about running the business. He enjoys seeing some of the same people in the restaurant today that he used to see as a child. “Everybody I grew up with or went to school with knows where I am. They come in all the time. I get to talk with people and keep up with their lives.” Paul worked for his father throughout his teenage years, but made his home in Lexington after graduating from the University of Kentucky. When his father, R.D. Parker, decided to sell the restaurant, Paul moved back to Paducah with his family and purchased the busi- ness. Five years later, Paul and his wife Marni, sons Cole and Cameron, and one-year old daughter Cassidy, are happy to call Paducah home. A small army of high school students works for Paul, most hailing from Lone Oak, but other schools are represented as well. R.D. still works at Parker’s four days a week, and Paul looks forward to his own children helping out as they get older. “Hopefully, one or more of my kids will take it over someday,” he says. Other plans for the future are less defined. For now, says Paul, he’ll be happy “if things just keep going the way they’re going.” He thinks a minute and adds, “but I do have a fondness for pizza...” Paul Parker of Parkers’ Drive-In Diner banks at Paducah Banks’ Lone Oak branch. “I see the people from Lone Oak every day,” he says. “Molly Bailey took care of us really well through the rebuilding. Everybody at Paducah Bank takes good care of us.” 28 • WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 In 2005, R.D. Parker (left) sold Parker’s Drive-In to his son, Paul (right) after owning the business for 23 years. (Surfing may be about the only thing you can’t do at the Regional Sports Plex!) “The Sports Plex is proud to report over 300,000 patrons have increased their quality of life by utilizing our facility since our opening in March of 2008,” says Tim Stonecipher, president and part owner of the Paducah Regional Sports Plex. “We’ve welcomed well over 50,000 out-of-town guests from eight states to the Paducah area to play sports of all sorts,” he adds. It is just the type of usage Tim envisioned when he began assembling investors to make the large, multi-sport facility a reality. A long-time coach and a parent himself, Tim saw the need for a regional sports plex that would accommodate a large variety of sports practices, training, competitions, and fun. “But it wasn’t always easy,” says Tim. “For every positive response I got, I got 40 negative ones.” However, Tim was convinced that a regional facility, which would allow year-round play and attract out-of-town teams for basketball, soccer, and similar tournaments, was needed. He kept at it until a group of investors was assembled, the facility was constructed, and staff was hired. The first soccer tournament was held when the facility was barely open. Since that time, activities have expanded to include school field trips, summer day camps, and more. A look at the paducahregionalsportsplex.com website offers a glimpse into the variety of activities available at the Plex. A click on the sportssurf the plex web and see wave after wave of opportunity respective word at the website brings you more information on: basketball; volleyball; baseball/softball; soccer; tee ball; wrestling; tot activities; birthday parties/rentals; speed, jumping, and agility training; martial arts and aerobics training; parent’s plex night out; camp at the plex; and teen plex time. Makes a person energized just surfing the website! Dances for middle-school children have become popular weekend events for the pre- and early-teen crowd, and a variety of organized programs are available to children on school breaks. With such activities, along with group and individual training offerings in nearly all major sports, the Sports Plex offers something for every age, interest, and ability. Tim is proud of the credentials of the professional staff members who oversee activities and instruction. “We have incredible talent in this area,” he says. “And bringing that talent together in one place benefits people from all over the region.” The Paducah Regional Sports Plex has made impressive strides since opening in early 2008, and Tim credits Paducah Bank for helping make that possible. “Paducah Bank’s Tom Clayton has walked with the Sports Plex investors every step of the way. His service has been a balance of ideal professionalism and friendliness,” says Tim. He adds, “Tom and Paducah Bank generated and maintain a partnership with the Sports Plex that is second to none. My hat’s off to the entire staff of Paducah Bank.” Located approximately two and one-half miles west of I-24 on U.S. 60, the Sports Plex is off to a good start. The best, however, may still lie ahead. “We look forward to serving our community for many years to come,” says Tim. • 31 “We have incredible talent in this area. Bringing that talent together in one place benefits people from all over the region. ” —timstonecipher Julie HartFEELS RIGHT AT HOME as the new McCracken County librarian hen the library burned, we thought our lives were over and cried at least twice, once for the beautiful building that had meant so much to our lives, and once for the library cat that did not survive,” “Wsays Julie Hart. She remembers the fire that destroyed Paducah’s Carnegie Library when she was a child. • Growing up on Cairo Road, a favorite pastime of Julie and her sister was coming to the library with their mother. “It was magic, and prob- ably then and there a seed was planted in my little brain about what to do with my life.” • That seed steered Julie to an undergraduate degree in English from Lipscomb University and a graduate degree in Library Science from Vanderbilt’s George Peabody College. And after decades in library administration in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri, the time was right for Julie to come home. • She began working as Director of the current McCracken County Public Library in June 2009. Of her years away, Julie says, “In the back of my mind was the thought I wanted to come back to Kentucky, but I felt I needed some experience under my belt before I thought about it. Thirty years later, here I am. Paducah is home.” 32 Julie delights in all things Paducah. She finds the “Thank you, Paducah Bank!” says Julie. restoration and preservation of older homes particularly The first day it was placed on the loop, 48 books were exciting and has discovered bicycling and yoga since her returned without any public notification. arrival here. Long interested in plants (her father farmed and Offering praise to the many individuals and organizations her grandmother taught her about gardening), she counts the which support the McCracken County library, Julie is clearly sight of hollyhocks and lilacs in her neighborhood among her excited to work with them in her role as Executive Director. blessings. She enjoys Paducah’s riverfront, running into old “I wish everyone had the opportunity to do what makes acquaintances, and she loves Kentucky basketball. “I’m thrilled them happy in the place that makes them happy,” she says. to be back in a state where they actually know what a round ball is,” she jokes. Additional library programs recently Julie praises her predecessor and the library staff. “Marie implemented or currently planned include: Liang left a powerful, positive footprint here and an amazing • introduction of a Library Elf to which patrons can subscribe staff dedicated to providing excellent service to the communi- to receive email notices of holds, overdue materials, and ty. It has been my job to try not to mess up anything.” alerts of upcoming due dates for everyone in the family One project undertaken since Julie has been on board is the • new A to Z maps and Hobbies and Crafts databases, purchase of “100 picture books every child should read before which can be accessed at home going into first grade” for each Head Start class in Paducah • lunch-time craft programs and McCracken County. The program was sponsored by the • adult summer reading programs similar to those in place library, Friends of the Library, and Paducah Bank. Julie says for children that when she approached Paducah Bank • interfiling of the fiction collection so that westerns, about partnering with the library to mysteries, and science fiction are not separated, allowing purchase books, the response was almost the browser to see what is available in spite of a specific immediate. “Their matching grant with label for a book us will provide a world of imagination • special events and author book signings to be placed in each of the rooms • establishment of a bird watching area on the garden side that provides early education for of the building our future,” she explains. • library cards with community specific designs A new Hinkleville Road • laptop computers that can be checked out for use in book drop site was also recently the library, allowing users to study in a group setting established. At the Paducah Bank or a parent to use a computer while remaining upstairs ATM location between Olivet with children Baptist Church and Olivet Church • a 175th birthday party for Andrew Carnegie, with Road, it allows people to return photos of the old Carnegie library available (to be held books without getting out of their November 25, 2010) cars and is a popular site. DROP in ANYTIME! Paducah Bank is PROUD to be the host site for the McCracken County Library’s West End book drop at our ATM located at 2777 West Park Drive next to Olivet Baptist Church. The drop is situated between the Paducah Bank ATM and two utility payment boxes. The books are picked up daily by the library. If additional directions are needed, please call the library at 442-2510. 34 • WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 Another PROUD Paducah Bank moment in the stimulation of young minds. We received this kind letter from Frances Smith, Director of the Paducah Head Start/Preschool PADUCA program. It was our pleasure to H HEA “Building com D STA passionate par RT /P 2400 Ada tner RESCH ms Street, Suite 1 partner in the funding for the ships for lifelong learning . OOL Paducah, KY 42001 . .“ Phone: 270.444.5780 Fax: 270.444.5781 purchase of 100 picture books Email: info@paduca hheadsta rt.or for the Head Start project. June 9, 2010 g Joseph Addison, the English Mr. Mark Link playwright once said, “Reading Paducah Bank 555 Jefferson Street is to the mind what exercise Paducah, KY 42001 is to the body.” With this gift Dear Mr. Link: we hope the minds of our Paducah pre-schoolers will On behalf of the children, parents, and staff appreciation for your efforts to secure funds for the pur get a great work-out! books to read before kindergarten , I would like to expr ess my sincere for ten classr chase of a set of Paducah Head Start/Preschool serves the city’s mostooms. vulnerable childr 100 picture Families. A common thread among the H puts children at a greater risk for mental health pr The books you have helped to pr ead Start population is po en and their verty which often cognitive skills that will better pr ovide will be utilizoblems and school r eadiness issues. epare our children fored toschool. develop language and build The involvement of the community is essential to the success of the H Start/preschool program, and with other community par help reduce the impact of risk factors of our childr ead tners we can The teaching staff would lo en and families. read a book! ve to have you visit our program and Respectfully yours, Frances Smith Director Taking Care of business,children, As a hands-on business owner, president of the local chapter of the NAACP, mother of three nearly grown children, and a long &future history as a civic and community leader, Rosa Scott leads a very full life. Most days she is busy teaching and Chapter President, a position she has held since caring for children from the age ofdreams January of 2009, Rosa has the opportunity to bring infant to 10 years at Care Bears Day Paducahans together. “This is an organization where Care Center, the business she opened people can come together and relate with 17 years ago. As a young college student, different or similar backgrounds, come Rosa planned to pursue a career in together as an organization, and guide medical administration. Her plans took a and lead in the right direction.” different turn, however, when she was Rosa says she often deals with cases laid off from a job and an aunt suggested where people feel as though they may have she open her own business. Rosa followed her been discriminated against, and she likes to aunt’s advice, and Care Bears Day Care was born. address the issue and get it resolved as “I started it and decided it was God’s mission for quickly as possible. She credits her me to take care of children,” she says. grandmother with teaching a valu- Rosa views her business as a helping hand to able lesson that she uses in her work many in the community. By utilizing Care Bears’ today. “My grandmother was my role services, “a lot of single parents can go back to school model. She was a soft-spoken woman and taught me to or into the workforce,” explains Rosa. “It’s good to know always think about situations first before acting on them.” you can give back to your community.” Rosa’s mother also had a profound influence on her life. A strong advocate for Paducah, Rosa credits Paducah Bank Until her recent death, Veatrice Scott played a big role in with giving back to the community as well. “They’ve been cooking and caring for children at Care Bears. She was “my very helpful to me as a business owner. I switched to Paducah strength and my backbone. She always stood by my side all Bank after I was already in business, and I’ve been very the way,” says Rosa. pleased,” Rosa says. “I love that Paducah Bank is Paducah In her multiple roles, Rosa Scott tries to pass on some of owned.” what she has learned. She advises young women “to get Working toward a Paducah that embraces diversity is high involved in their community, join organizations they’re inter- on Rosa’s list of daily tasks. In her position as NAACP ested in, set high goals, and reach them to the fullest.” • 36 • WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 rosa scott Paducah customers, classmates, friends, and families have been positive influences during a trying time for those close to the late Craig Sims vickisims cites many things she is grateful for, including loyal customers, an excellent staff, and a community that offered unbelievable support through Craig’s illness and death. We have been blessed. 39 Adam’s class at Community Christian Academy has also shown an outpouring of support. “Adam’s class, their families, and the whole school have been very supportive. It’s really encouraging to be in that environment,” says Vicki. Gale Grisham, Adam’s teacher, spearheaded an effort to put together a Relay for Life team and raise money for the American CraigSims Cancer Society. The class raised money through multiple fund- loved the outdoors. He loved the idea of helping raisers, and students walked in the Relay for Life. An initial goal others enjoy the adventurous outdoor activities he found so of $3,000 was surpassed early on. fulfilling. As Craig hiked, backpacked, and climbed mountains, The support shown her family is “a statement for how this a dream began to take shape—a dream that eventually became town works,” says Vicki. She counts Paducah Bank among those Hooper’s Outdoor Center in Paducah. Craig, his wife Vicki, who have been especially supportive. and Craig’s former Murray State roommate Dean Cherry, “Kerri Brotherson has been so much help to me. We’re not opened the original Hooper’s in 1993 on Hinkleville Road. just a number or a face. They are all there for us. During a very In 2008, the staff and the inventory took a trip downtown. stressful time for me, they’re taking a load off. It’s been a very And Craig started making trips to the hospital. good relationship.” Vicki comments that her first checking Although he had dealt with cancer earlier, Craig had been account as a high school student was at the Reidland branch of cancer-free for seven years. Through a busy Christmas season, Paducah Bank. Craig thought his lack of energy was due to a cold. However, Brother-in-law Kerry adds that Paducah Bank played a role within months he discovered that the cancer was back in the in his family’s relocation to Paducah. “We were looking for a form of an inoperable tumor. Craig Sims passed away in mortgage, and as soon as I went into Paducah Bank, I knew September of 2009. that’s where we were going to do business because they were so During Craig’s illness, his brother Kerry moved from helpful.” Owensboro to help transport Craig to treatments and to help Despite the devastating experience of Craig’s death, Vicki with the store. The business also hired a new manager, Matt points to the positive. “Paducah is a good place to raise a family. Cherry. “The staff really stepped up,” says Vicki. “They had to We want to enhance our local community. We like dealing with learn on the job, because we weren’t here to train them.” a local bank, we like being downtown, and we appreciate that “It was never just about selling or fashion,” Vicki says. “We our customers want to support local businesses. want customers to be safe and comfortable. Their clothing and “This was Craig’s dream,” says equipment have to stand up to their needs in the outdoors.” Vicki. “Kerry and I are Hooper’s carried the North Face brand of clothing long before trying to continue it was popular in the mainstream, because it was a good product that dream.” for the outdoor customer. “Craig built relationships; he was knowledgeable, and customers came back,” adds Vicki. She says the business has grown incredibly since moving downtown, a commendable feat given the current economic downturn. Though she and son Adam, have lost their husband and father, Vicki says they have been blessed. She cites many things she is grateful for, including loyal customers, an excellent staff, and a community that offered unbelievable support through Craig’s illness and death. “I didn’t cook a meal for months,” she says. 40 • WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 the PHT HALM OLOGY GROUP For more than a half century, a group of dedicated ophthalmologists has carried forward the vision of one early leader in Paducah eye care and treatment. IF HE COULD SEE THEM NOW! In 1951, Dr. George H. Widener opened a practice of ophthalmology in Paducah. In 1954, the practice relocated to 1903 Broadway, the present day location of the continuation of his practice, The Ophthalmology Group. • After 18 years of going it virtually alone, Dr. Widener invited Dr. Jeff Johnson to join him as his partner. Drs. Widener and Johnson performed the first phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implant surgeries for cataracts in Paducah in the mid-1970s. READ ON >> Dr. Ted Borodofsky joined the practice in 1977 after completing a Dr. Jeff >> fellowship in cornea and cataract implant surgery in Houston, Texas. He further promulgated modern-day eye care for the community and this JOHNSONJ O H N S O N trend is now an established tradition of the Ophthalmology Group. University of Arkansas Medical School In 1978, Dr. Widener passed away and Dr. Roland Myers (now retired) Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology was added to the team of physicians. The medical culture of Paducah and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons the surrounding region began to expand in more and more dramatic ways. • • • Consequently, Dr. Mark Gillespie, Dr. Carl Baker, Dr. Jeff Taylor, and Dr. “I believe our practice has managed to stay abreast of new developments Ron Tilford joined the medical team to provide complete ophthalmic care in eye care. We continue to provide for patients in a broad geographic area. emergency and comprehensive eye care for the community.” Drs. Baker and Tilford are both Paducah natives and graduates of Heath High School. Both physicians have brought greater expertise and technology for retinal care to our region and are also involved with clinical trials focusing on macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease. Certified Ophthalmic Technician and Office Administrator, Joy Woodford, speaks to the reasons that The Ophthalmology Group counts many loyal patients for decades along with loyal staff members as well. Joy joined the practice in 1969, the same year that Dr. Johnson joined the group. “At that point, we had two physicians and six people on staff. We have now grown to six doctors and 40 employees, many of whom have been with the practice for more than 25 years.” That includes two veteran staff members: retired bookkeeper Betty Lawrence with 43 years at the practice, and Linda Meadows, an ophthalmic technician of 42 years, who still fills in from time to time. The building, too, has grown. The Ophthalmology Group location now encompasses 15,000 square feet. In July 1990, the group opened the area’s first dedicated eye surgery center offering procedures such as cataract surgery, corneal transplants, glaucoma and retinal procedures, Lasik vision correction, and eyelid surgery. Also on Broadway is the Ophthalmology Group’s Keene Optical, a retail outlet for prescription and non-prescription eyewear. With the addition of the Paducah Retinal Center, the Ophthalmology Group of Paducah Dr. Ron >> provides a broad range of medical and surgical care for eye disease. “My experience here has shown me time and again,” says Joy, “that these are a TILFORDT I L F O R D group of physicians who ultimately want only the best possible results for Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Fellow of the American Academy of their patients.” The physicians have consistently made investments in Ophthalmology specialized diagnostic equipment and trained personnel. Chief Resident/Department of Ophthalmology/Vanderbilt University Dr. Ted Borodofsky adds to that sentiment. “There are many aspects to • • • our field of work,” he adds. “We treat the many various eye diseases that “I’ve practiced in Los Angeles, Nashville affect the vision of our patients. We want to build confidence and trust and Atlanta before coming home to Paducah. I can say unequivocally that with every patient, because preserving and improving our patients’ vision is there is no higher standard of care a lifelong mission for each of us as ophthalmic physicians and surgeons.” anywhere than here at the Ophthalmology Group.” 42 • WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 Dr. Jeff >> TAYLORT A Y L O R University of Iowa Medical School Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Research experience in Glaucoma and Corneal Grafts • • • “I love the ability to work in a field where technological advancement enables us to perform cataract surgery to improve vision and often allows patients to see without glasses that they have worn for many years.” << Dr. Mark << Dr. Ted GILLESPIEG I L L E S P I E BORODOFSKYB O R O D O F S K Y Vanderbilt University Medical School University of Tennessee College of Medicine Fellow of the American Academy Fellowship in Anterior Segment Microsurgery of Ophthalmology Fellow of the American Academy American Society of Cataract & of Ophthalmology Refractive Surgery • • • • • • “It has been my pleasure to be a part “We were the first practice in the of Paducahs’ medical community these area to do Lasik and to use multi- last 33 years, and to see the growth of focal lens implants, giving our our practice. Paducah has been a great patients the option of spectacle place to live and work.” independence. Our practice is truly cutting edge.” Dr. Carl >> BAKERB A K E R Medical University of South Carolina Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Fellowship in Vitreous/Retinal Surgery/ University of Kentucky • • • “It’ s very satisfying to be a part of the many advances in treatment and technology for retinal diseases, making it possible to maintain and preserve patients’ vision for a longer period of time.” WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 • 43 familyIt’s about involvement T EACHERS, COUNSELORS, AND FRIENDS CREDIT W ILLIAM D URBIN ’ S PARENTS FOR HIS AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENTS illiam recites years of baseball stats without hesitation; he’ s a whiz with computers, an avid reader, and his knowledge of facts and trivia is astounding. He graduated in May from Lone Oak High School with a gold honors cord around his neck. Yet every-day tasks and activities that are routine for most teenagers can be daunting for him. WDiagnosed with autism at age three, William Durbin has overcome challenges that most students never have to face. Williams’ parents, John and Rudina Durbin, knew there was something unusual about William from an early age. “Being our third child, we could see that he was different,” says Rudina. “There was no eye contact, and he spoke in single words; there was no reciprocal speech.” Autism is generally defined as a neural development disorder, characterized by impaired social interaction and communication and by restricted and repetitive behavior, all of which begin before a child is three years old. The Durbins received Williams’ diagnosis of autism in 1995, and at that time, there was 44 williamdurbin little information available on the subject. “When William was diagnosed, there was nothing in the library,” explains Rudina. “You typed in ‘autism’ and maybe one book came up.” Rudina and John set out to change that. They worked with the United Way and an Autism Support Group to get books and DVDs on the subject of autism in the McCracken County Public Library so information would be available for others. They researched autism and shared information with William’s teachers, and they worked tirelessly with William. “William’s success is due to Rudina,” says Terri Wehmeyer, who was William’s Above: William Durbin with his mom and lifelong advocate, Rudina Durbin. caseload manager throughout his four Bottom photo: Teachers (from left) Rebecca Pope, Terri Wehmeyer, and Lorie Fick, each years at Lone Oak High School. “It’s I of whom worked with William at a different grade level, are confident of his success. about family involvement.” In explaining William’s accomplishments, Rudina refers to the saying, “It takes a village.” She praises his teachers, aides, and specialists, including those at Hendron-Lone Oak Elementary, Lone Oak Middle and High schools, and at the Paducah Area Technology Center, where William took computer classes and hopes to continue studying towards CISCO certification. In addition to his school curriculum, William took piano lessons for years from Ms. Retta Folsom. She watched him grow from a young child into a young man. At first not knowing how William would fare in piano lessons, Ms. Retta and Rudina decided to give it a try and see what would happen. William excelled. “The discipline and self-esteem he gained from piano were very good for him,” says Rudina. “He could be having a terrible week, but he’d go to piano and have a wonderful piano lesson.” His teachers and parents agree there were challenges along the way, but by working together, they were able to help William overcome many stumbling blocks and continue to progress. “We went through growing pains together,” says Terri. Unlike many children with autism, William doesn’t retreat from social interaction. “He’s always been very social, so we put him with other kids every chance we could. William doesn’t have the communication barriers that many kids with autism have,” explains Rebecca Pope, who served as William’s resource teacher in the later elementary grades and helped him transition to middle school. “Where many students (with autism) pull away, William pushed forward.” Lorie Fick, William’s early elementary teacher at Hendron-Lone Oak, says it’s rewarding to see how far William has come. “It’s gratifying to think we had a part in William getting where he is today.” The exact course of William’s future is uncertain, but the hope is that “he can live independently, and that he can have a job and a bank account,” says Rudina. “He needs to be self-sufficient.” Those who have worked closely with William are confident of his success. “William is a blessing,” says Terri. “He changes your life. He shows how people with a disability can be just fine in life.” 46 • WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TODAY to MAKE YOU FEEL PROUD! Here are a few things on OUR list! Retail Manager D'Che Harper-Beyer chairs the Fundraising Committee of the Paducah/McCracken County Habitat for Humanity Board. Habitat works to eliminate poverty and homelessness by providing affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. Marketing Director Susan Guess and daughter, Morgan, led an effort to double the books in the Lone Oak Elementary library. Supporters donated more than $25,000, which resulted in the addition of more than 1,900 books to the library shelves! Personal Bankers Diana Meadows (left) and Phyllis Kilby walked for cancer research during Paducah/McCracken County's Relay for Life. Paducah Bank employees raised nearly $6,000 for the American Cancer Society. aurie McGarvey (second ’froms special right) performance had a mouse- of HR Director M arket House Theatre sized role in the M Cinderella, which raised funds for the community theatre. Paducah Bank was the leading contributor among local businesses. Donna Davis, Mortgage Lender at Paducah Bank, made playtime more fun at Easter Seals West Kentucky with a significant donation of toys and games for the use of the Paducah Bank is now accepting applications for 2011 center’s many young clients. charitable contributions. Please go to wwww.paducahbank.com, click on community information, then choose community giving brochure for details. We’re proud to give back to our great community. from the Paducah Bank scrapbook Sometimes ad slogans are transcendent. dedicated to making Paducah productive and progressive. Paducah When we stumbled across this vintage photo from the 60s in Bank believed in that philosophy THEN. And we still do! our Paducah Bank scrapbook, we were struck by the sentiment on It’s always fun to look back from whence we came. Obviously, the building some 40 years ago. Believing in a local economy was this advertisement was part of a give-away promotion that included, and is a fundamental belief of this bank both four decades ago and we assume, sports equipment and cash? as we enter the 21st century. We recently found this black-and-white glossy in our scrapbook Here we are, decades later, STILL seeking to make Paducah and thought it would be fun to see if anyone could identify this young work by bringing more economic opportunities and new ideas to the woman. Seen here in her crisp cotton blouse, A-line sport skirt, and community like, for example, a certain Artist Relocation Program. Oxfords, she apparently posed for this advertisement to promote Paducah Bank’s early and continued involvement in this program has something sports minded! resulted in a renewed viability of our Lower Town residential area and If you think you know the name of this early Paducah Bank the significant impact of an entirely new group of community-minded model, leave your answer on our Facebook page, and we will put the citizens. These new arrivals on our shores have brought their talents names of all those with the right answer into a drawing for $100. and their support to our small part of the globe. They add one more Forty years later, we’re still giving away great stuff! unique element to an already visionary and innovative citizenry • 48 • WOW! VOLUME 17/2010 WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TODAY to MAKE YOU FEEL ★PROUD?★ Here are a few things on OUR list! Top 20 Community Ban k Per for mers for 2009 Paducah Bank is among the nation’s top 20 independent banks for performance in its asset size. Ranking is by Top Small Business the Independent Community Lender in Paducah/ Bank Association. McCracken County Paducah Bank currently ranks as the #1 producer of small business loans in Paducah and McCracken County as reported by the US Small Business Administration. Paducah Bank was named the Best Place to Work in Kentucky among medium-sized businesses in 2006. The selection was made by a joint task force made up of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, The Kentucky SHRM Council, Best Companies Group, and Business Lexington. #1 Mortgage Lender in McCracken County Paducah Bank currently ranks as the top Top 15 Small producer of home loans in Paducah and Workplaces in McCracken County as reported by the Credit North America Bureau Systems Public Record Bulletin. In 2008, Paducah Bank was named one of the Top 15 Small Workplaces in North America by the Wall Street Journal! 575.5700 • www.paducahbank.com MEMBER FDIC PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PADUCAH, KY 9 CAHBANK PERMIT #44 Post Office Box 2600 • Paducah, KY 42002-2600 C Meet the Mid-City Team of WOW Paducah Bankers! Drop in soon and be WOWed by Paducah Bank’s Mid-City Team! 2401 Broadway • 270.575.5763 From the left: Shannon Cobb, Ashley Adams, Melissa Ramage, Caryn Bender, Stefanie Horton Janet Krall and Lindsey Mansfield ..CA.HBANK MEMBER FDIC